30 years of the Experimental Archaeology Field Course

The Experimental
Archaeology Field Course has been one of the highlights of the UCL Institute of
Archaeology’s undergraduate degree since 1982.

At the end of their first week, all first–year archaeology
undergraduates spend four days camping in West Sussex while taking part in a
number of activities using technologies from the past.

The field course includes a
number of activities used commonly in history, such as metal smelting, flint
knapping, spinning and weaving, deer butchery and crop processing. The course –
colloquially referred to by its former name ‘PrimTech’ (for
Primitive Technology) – also helps the new students to develop friendships
within the first week of their degree. Through their direct
involvement with the tools and materials used in the past, the students can develop
an understanding of what evidence archaeologists may have to interpret the
behaviour of ancient peoples. All of
these activities help to provoke discussion and debate out of the students’
physical experiences.

Feedback from previous
students has been very positive, with one Archaeology student saying: “It’s a
brilliant course and I would go again.” Another participant explained: “ It was
great to get to know my fellow first years but on top of that, the presence of
the third years and staff made me feel more integrated into the department.”

This course is a unique
way to start an undergraduate degree, introducing students to issues and
concepts that lie at the heart of the discipline in an engaging but challenging
way. It also contributes to
the community spirit that characterises the UCL Institute of Archaeology.

As part of the Institute
of Archaeology’s 75th anniversary celebrations, a mini ‘Experimental
Archaeology Course’ will be held in Gordon Square gardens on Saturday 9 June
2012 with experimental techniques and demonstrations on offer.